Virginia Department of Health Rescinds Emergency Closing Of James River to Shellfish Harvesting

October 15, 2015

For More Information Contact

Michelle Stoll 804-864-7963

(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that the emergency condemnation of the James River downstream of the James River Bridge, including the tributaries of Ragged Island Creek, Chuckatuck Creek and the Nansemond River, is reopened effective immediately. This action returns all James River and tributary harvest areas to the harvest status in effect prior to the October 8 emergency closure.

VDH Division of Shellfish Sanitation has monitored the water quality in the river since the flooding occurred. Sample results confirm that the area is now safe to open for harvesting.